Compact True Color Sensor

colorSENSOR CFO100 & CFO200

Compact. Robust. Precise.

The colorSENSOR CFO is a new controller for precise color recognition in industrial measurement tasks. The CFO series is distinguished by high color accuracy, state-of-the-art interfaces and intuitive operation. The controller is connected to CFS sensors with integrated optical fibers, which can be adapted for different measurement tasks. The colorSENSOR CFO is used in color recognition tasks on interior parts such as head supports, in packaging control or in color sorting tasks with crown caps, closures or labels. The colorSENSOR replaces the LT series models.

CFS sensors with integrated glass fiber optics

Operating the colorSENSOR CFO controller requires sensors that are used on the measuring point. Depending on the measurement task, the sensors can be individually combined. Sophisticated glass fiber sensor provide benefits due to their minimal installation dimensions, robust materials and are ideally suited to mechanical stress and harsh ambient conditions such as high temperatures. The sensor can also be used in restricted areas as the sensor head requires a minimum of installation space.

CFS2 circular sensor with integrated glass fiber optics

Micro-Epsilon has developed a new circular sensor for relative color measurements. The new CFS2 color sensors combine the advantages of fixed lens sensors with those of an external controller. The CFS2 circular sensors enable the circular illumination of a measurement object. Instead of using a single, bundled light beam, the measuring point is illuminated in a circular and therefore very homogeneous manner. This enables precise color measurements on reflecting and structured surfaces. The compact design of the CFS2 sensors enables much more flexible installation compared to fixed lens models.

These circular sensors can also be used for color recognition on common materials and surfaces, which makes them a universal tool for all controllers with FA connection. In addition to the relative color measurement or color inspection, the CFS2 color sensors are also used in the following measurement tasks:

Intensity measurement

Completeness check (presence and absence)

Determination of surface properties and texture

Material recognition

Position determination

Intuitive operation via web interface

The integrated, intuitive web interface simplifies configuration of the CFO system. The sensor is connected to a PC via an Ethernet interface. The web interface features measurement value display, set up and configuration of e.g. exposure and measurement frequency. Furthermore, the sensor can be adapted to suit different color groups and tolerance space for each color.

Customer-specific calibration

In order to improve the recognition performance and to reduce deviating measurement values between several sensors for a certain configuration, customers can request a customer-specific calibration for the colorSENSOR CFO200. Therefore, the sensor and the controller are calibrated to the customer-specific reference target in the measurement arrangement required. A measurement deviation of Delta E < 1 between the individual systems can be achieved. Due to the calibration, the sensors are exchangeable and measure colors which have almost the same Lab values.

The CFO100 is ready for precise, relative color measurements in automation environments. High color accuracy enables reliable recognition of the slightest color differences. Due to the measuring rate of 10kHz, the CFO100 can also be used to monitor dynamic processes.

The CFO200 is designed for high performance, relative color measurements. With a measuring rate of 30kHz, even dynamic high speed production processes can be monitored reliably. High repeatability enables the reliable detection of even the slightest color differences. The color memory offers teach-in of up to 320 colors in 254 color groups.